Steer Clear of Fake Antivirus 2010
Category Security CornerOne of the most common computer problems in the last few weeks has been a recent outbreak of "Fake Antivirus 2010." This is a fake antivirus and antispyware program that infects your computer via the internet. There are a few different ways you can get this. One of them is by clicking on internet ads. You can also get infected by simply visiting certain websites or using file-sharing programs like Kazaa or e-Donkey looking for illigitimate ways to install software that must normally be purchased before it is installed. A large percentage of the programs that are found on these file sharing networks are infected with spyware and trojans.
The Fake Antivirus 2010 spyware is particularly deceptive because it is designed to make itself look like real Windows alerts and uses alarming lanugage like, "System Error- Your system is infected with a dangerous virus!"
How can you avoid getting this spyware?
-Avoid clicking on internet banner ads. It's difficult to see where they really go.
-Don't use file sharing programs. They are sespools for malware and other dangerous computer threats.
-If you get a pop-up or a web page that says you may be infected with spyware, and to "click here" for a free scan, never click there. It's usually a trick to get you infected with spyware.
-Never respond to or click links in spam.
-If you are unsure about where a link in a web page goes, use your "right-click" mouse button to "copy link location" and paste it somewhere else first. Don't rely on what shows up in your status bar at the bottom of your browser, as this can be faked.
If you do get a popup, or a system warning about a system infection that is not from your own, trusted Antivirus program, don't click on it's buttons. Close your browser, move the pop-up window out of the way, and call your computer support group. If your company is in need of computer support, contact us by web or by phone at 818-541-9195.
